Improvements in IT are expected to have further influence on the sector as they will allow retailers to gather and analyse more data about their customers, and will allow consumers more easily to find information about suppliers, products and prices.  Innovations in IT have already helped retailers in targeted marketing, thereby bringing about increases in output.  E-commerce and the internet are expected to help the sector further in exploiting new opportunities and providing access to consumers in new as well as existing markets.  This includes increasing sales on-line and through call centres rather than in shops.

Growth in retailing in recent years has been driven by high consumer confidence, sustained employment growth, growth in real earnings and low interest rates.  Changes in any of these drivers will affect future employment trends in the sector.

Shops are increasingly open for long hours and the task of managing both shops and the associated workforce is becoming increasingly complex.  There is also constant pressure to reduce costs and prices.

The sector is at the forefront in developing employment policies such as flexible working, workplace diversity and the employment of older workers.

The environmental agenda and increased interest in ethical trading issues are placing new demands on managers and staff.

Source: Skills in England 2003 and Skillsmart 2002

Skillsmart’s aims to:

• reduce skills gaps within the sector
• improve productivity, business and public service performance
• increase the opportunities to boost the skills of everyone in the sector workforce while ensuring equality of opportunity for all
• improve the learning supply
• promote and raise the profile of employment and career opportunities within retailing
• devise and implement activities to increase participation and investment in learning by employers and individuals within the sector
• assemble, maintain and disseminate information on the changing skills needs within the sector
• improve learning opportunities for existing and potential members of the workforce to develop their skills to meet the needs of the sector

Source: Skillsmart 2002